Walking-St-Oswalds-Way-HERO-credit-Northumberland-Coast-AONB

St Oswald's Way walking route

Walk St Oswald's Way
Experience the serenity of Holy Island's beaches, be wowed by Warkworth’s castle and hermitage, and discover Northumberland's Roman heritage at Hadrian's Wall. There is something for everyone on the St Oswald's Way walk.

Explore outstanding landscapes

This magnificent route links places associated with its namesake - St Oswald - the King of Northumbria in the early 7th Century. He played a major part in bringing Christianity and peace to his people.

The route follows the stunning Northumberland coast and countryside from Holy Island to Heavenfield and Hadrian’s Wall. You will find castles, coastline, islands, scenic river valleys, hills, attractive villages, forest and farmland - what’s not to love?
 
The walk is a distance of 97 miles (156 km), but not to worry, if you would like to see some of these fantastic sites and are unable to walk this far, a number of shorter walks have been created for you. Go to the official St Oswald's Way website to explore all of the walks.
 
St. Oswald’s Way is divided into six sections from north to south:
 
1. Holy Island to Bamburgh (19 miles / 31 km)
2. Bamburgh to Craster (14 miles / 22 km)
3. Craster to Warkworth (13.5 miles / 21.5 km)
4. Warkworth to Rothbury (18 miles / 29 km)
5. Rothbury to Kirkwhelpington (15 miles / 24 km)
6. Kirkwhelpington to Heavenfield (17.5 miles / 28.5 km)
 
You can, of course, walk the route in different sections or in the opposite direction.

For more detailed information about routes, services, guidebook and obtaining a certificate for completing the route please visit the official St Oswald's Way website.

Stay near St Oswald's Way



Stretching from Holy Island to Heavenfield, you can have your pick of countryside retreats or coastal getaways when basing yourself along this route. Pick a new place every night and hike between holiday homes, or stay in one spot and use it as your base to explore.
 
Alnwick Self Catering

Cheviot Holiday Cottages

Guide Price £588.00 Per week
Exceptional selection of bespoke luxury holiday cottages designed for couples, quietly situated in the heart of the Northumbrian countryside.
Trip Advisor Rating
Alnwick Self Catering

Ilderton Dod Barns

Guide Price £441.00 Per week
Cosy cottage and large barn conversion in the heart of Northumberland National Park. Peaceful surroundings and gorgeous views of the Cheviots.
Bamburgh Glamping

Lucker Mill Shepherd's Huts

Guide Price £100.00 Per Night
1st Nov 2025 until 31st Mar 2026. Shepherd's & Woodman's Hut £80 pn (bring own bedding, shared facilities) exc. New Year.  Fisherman's Hut £100 pn (bring own bedding, en-suite). 





 
Trip Advisor Rating
Northumberland Self Catering Agency

Canine Cottages

Canine Cottages, part of Travel Chapter, offers dog-friendly self-catering accommodation across Northumberland.
Beal Inn

The Lindisfarne Inn

Bingfield Self Catering

The Hytte

Guide Price £553.00 Per week
Close to Hexham and Hadrian's Wall this unique property is fully accessible and provides the ideal country retreat for friends and family "get together's" with the added luxury of a sauna and hot-tub spa.
Warkworth Caravan & Camping

Walkmill Camping & Caravan Site

Stunning, peaceful, secluded site. Spacious grass touring, tent pitches and bell tent located beside the River Coquet near coastal village of Warkworth.
Warkworth Self Catering Agency

Coquet Cottages

Discover the ultimate collection of luxury dog-friendly and family-friendly self-catering accommodation in Northumberland.
Bamburgh Caravan & Camping

Camping at Budle Hall

Guide Price £50.00 Per Night
Exclusive wild camping in beautiful field with sea views and walk to beach. Two pitches only, private shower and toilet.
Rothbury Holiday Home Ownership

Coquetdale Holiday Park

Malcolm, Kathy and Matthew Muckle welcome you to their family run holiday park near the tranquil and beautiful Rothbury.

Stay in the know

Subscribe to our newsletter for seasonal highlights, must-see events, and insider tips. Get regular updates on the best things to do, see and experience in England’s most magical county.